Throughout all stages of a woman's life, many health concerns arise. I am knowledgeable in the use of natural therapies to address these health concerns.
In most cases, a healthy lifestyle, herbs, and nutritional supplements are enough to bring relief. However, sometimes hormone therapy is necessary, and women are looking for a natural choice. Bio-Identical hormones are made from natural sources and are identical to the hormones found in our bodies.
Using primarily detox, herbs, homeopathy, nutrition and bio-identical hormones, I can provide you with a new choice in healthcare, a natural choice.
In 2002, a landmark research study on hormone replacement therapy was abruptly halted. It was found that women using non-identical hormone therapies were at greater risk for stroke and blood clots. This finding threw the world of hormone therapy into a tailspin and I am still educating people on what we found from that research vs. what the media reported. The research exposed the risks of using Premarin and Provera together. In my naturopathic medical school training and in all of my continuing education, I was never taught to use these, only Bio-Identical hormones which are much safer options.
Unfortuately many doctors stopped prescribing hormone replacement therapy because many jumped to the conclusion that all hormone therapies were bad. What has since happened is that many women have suffered because their hormone levels are declining and their doctors refuse to write a prescription.
As a Naturopathic Doctor, I am usually trying to help people get off of their prescription medications. So people are often surprised that I write a lot of hormone prescriptions, but that's because I am replacing something the body is deficient in, not covering up a problem. Just as when someone is deficient in zinc and suffering the consequences, I replace it. When a person is struggling because their hormone levels are declining rapidly, I replace it.
My practice of prescribing has evolved over the years as we learn more and more about using Bio-Identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT). For example, I was taught to use BHRT for as little time as necessary to alleviate symptoms of menopause. I now use BHRT to prevent future health problems- heart disease, osteoporosis, and rapid aging.
I also use BHRT for women of all ages. We often think of only menopausal women needing estrogen for their hot flashes. But I often see women in their 40s whose hormones are starting to decline and benefit from BHRT. Unfortunately younger and younger women are needing BHRT because of a combination of factors- using birth control, toxins in our environment, toxins in our foods, and , PMS, menstrual cramps, infertility, irregular menses, postpartum depression, PCOS, uterine fibroids, and osteopenia/osteoporosis are some good examples.
I use both blood and saliva testing for testing hormones. If I feels lab testing is necessary I will discuss your options at an office visit or even on the phone when you make your initial appointment. Saliva testing is available through specialty labs and kits will be provided at the office visit. Blood testing is available both through specialty labs and local labs; I can write lab requests for those tests.
